Container for drying and storing polishing pads

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are devices for drying and storing polishing pads. The polishing pads may be used, for example, to polish paint or apply various waxes, sealants, and other coatings on the exterior surface of a vehicle. The devices herein include a first container for drying polishing pads. The first container has one or more perforations configured to allow the passage of air into and out of the first container. The devices may also include a second container for storing polishing pads, such as the dry and clean polishing pads. The devices may also include a third container for holding other items, such as additional polishing pads, and bottles (e.g., containing polish).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/052,865, filed Jul. 16, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to automotive polishing pads, and more specifically to a container for drying and storing polishing pads.

BACKGROUND

Polishing pads (also referred to as buffing pads) are circular pads (typically made of foam) used to polish paint on the exterior surface of a vehicle, as well as to apply various waxes, sealants, and other coatings. The maintenance of polishing pads is critical for the polishing pad to work effectively, and for the longevity of the pad. Because polishing pads absorb oils and abrasives during use, polishing pads need to be thoroughly cleaned after use. Polishing pads should also be properly dried after cleaning to prevent the formation of mold. Proper care and maintenance of polishing pads extends the total life of the pad, and reduces the need to purchase new pads. Thus, there is a need in the art for devices suitable for drying and storing polishing pads.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some aspects, provided herein is a device for drying and storing polishing pads. In some embodiments, the device comprises: a first container comprising: a bottom; a plurality of side walls, each extending upwards from said bottom and enclosing an interior of the first container, at least one of the plurality of side walls comprising one or more perforations configured to allow passage of air into and out of said first container, and the interior comprising one or more partitions dividing the interior into one or more first compartments, each of the one or more first compartments sized to hold an individual polishing pad; and a lid engaged with a top of the first container. In some embodiments, the lid is removably engaged with the top of the first container. In some variations, the lid is hard. For example, in certain variations, the lid may be made from the same material as the container. In other variations, the lid is soft. For example, in one variation, the lid may be made from fabric, and may have an attachment mechanism, such as a zipper, to close the lid.

In certain embodiments, the device further comprises a second container coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the first container, the second container comprising: a bottom; a plurality of side walls each extending upwards from the bottom and enclosing an interior of the second container, the interior comprising one or more partitions dividing the interior into one or more second compartments, each of the one or more second compartments sized to hold an individual polishing pad; and a lid removably engaged with a top of the second container. In some embodiments, the lid is removably engaged with the top of the second container. In some variations, the lid is hard. For example, in certain variations, the lid may be made from the same material as the container. In other variations, the lid is soft. For example, in one variation, the lid may be made from fabric, and may have an attachment mechanism, such as a zipper, to close the lid.

In some variations, the one or more perforations are ventilation holes. In some variations, the one or more perforations are circular. In some variations, the one or more perforations have an average diameter of from about ⅛ inch-about 1 inch. In some variations the one or more perforations are configured to allow passive airflow into and out of the first container. In some variations, the one or more perforations are configured to be coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to an air-generating device (e.g., a blow dryer). In some variations, two of the plurality of side walls comprise the one or more perforations. In some variations, the two of the plurality of side walls are arranged opposite to one another. In some variations, three of the plurality of side walls comprise the one or more perforations.

In some variations, the one or more partitions of the first container are disposed or positioned at an angle of about 90° relative to the bottom of the first container. In some variations, the one or more partitions of the first container are disposed or positioned at an angle from about 10° to about 50° (e.g., 20°) relative to the bottom of the first container. In some variations, the first container comprises from 5 to 10 partitions. In some variations, the first container is square, rectangular, or cylindrical. In some variations, the lid of the first container comprises a handle.

In some variations, an exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the first container comprises one or more guide slots for receiving one or more guide plates present on the exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the second container. In some variations, an exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the second container comprises one or more guide slots for receiving one or more guide plates present on an exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the first container. In some variations, the one or more guide plates are configured to be slidably engaged with the one or more guide slots. In some variations, at least one of the one or more compartments has a width (measured as the distance between two partitions) of at least 0.5 inch. In some variations, at least one of the one or more compartments has a height of at least 1 inch.

In some variations, the second container does not comprise one or more perforations on any side wall of the plurality of side walls. In some variations, the one or more partitions of the second container are disposed or positioned at an angle of about 90° relative to the bottom of the second container. In some variations, the second container comprises from 5 to 10 partitions. In some variations, at least one of the one or more compartments has a width (measured as the distance between two partitions) of at least 0.5 inch. In some variations, at least one of the one or more compartments has a height of at least 1 inch.

In some variations, the second container is square, rectangular, or cylindrical. In some variations, the lid of the second container comprises a handle. In some variations, the device further comprises a third container. In some variations, the third container is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the first container. In some variations, the third container is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the second container. In some variations, the device is composed of a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polypropylene), or a thermoset.

In other aspects, provided is a method for drying and storing polishing pads using any of the devices described herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises: drying a cleaned and wet polishing pad in a first compartment of the first container; and storing the dried clean polishing pad in either a first compartment of the first container or a second compartment of the second container. In some variations, the polishing pad is used to polish paint or apply various waxes, sealants, and other coatings on the exterior surface of a vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1A-1H depict various views of an exemplary container having five compartments for drying polishing pads according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIGS. 1I and 1J depict various views of a container having ten compartments for drying polishing pads according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 1K depict an exemplary drying container with polishing pads disposed therein.

FIGS. 2A-2H depict various views of an exemplary container having five compartments for storing polishing pads according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 2I depicts a view of a container having ten compartments for storing polishing pads according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3F depict various views of another exemplary container for storing additional items (e.g., additional polishing pads, bottles e.g., containing polish, and the like) according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an exemplary container for drying polishing pads removably coupled to an additional container according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict an exemplary container for storing polishing pads removably coupled to an additional container according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict alternative embodiments of devices according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict an exemplary container for storing polishing pads, in which the container has a soft lid with a zipper to close the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are devices for drying and/or storing polishing pads or buffing pads. The polishing pads may be suitable for, e.g., polishing vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, trains, etc.).

First Container

In some aspects, the devices provided herein include a first container configured for drying polishing or buffing pads. FIGS. 1A-1K depict exemplary embodiments of a first container 100 suitable for drying polishing pads. The first container 100 may comprise a bottom 101. In some embodiments, the bottom 101 of the first container 100 may comprise one or more feet 127 (e.g., FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F). A plurality of side walls, e.g., a first side wall 103, a second side wall 105, a third side wall 107, and a fourth side wall 109 may extend upwards from the bottom 101. The plurality of side walls 103, 105, 107, 109 may extend vertically such that each of the plurality of side walls 103, 105, 107, 109 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the bottom 101. Each of the plurality of side walls 103, 105, 107, 109 may be connected to another side wall along an edge thereby enclosing an interior of the first container 100. A first side wall 103 may be connected to a second side wall 105 along an edge, the second side wall 105 may be connected to a third side wall 107 along an edge, the third side wall 107 may be connected to a fourth side wall 109 along an edge, and the fourth side wall 109 may be connected to the first side wall 103 along an edge. The plurality of side walls 103, 105, 107, 109 may define an interior volume of the first container 100. The first container may be any shape, including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, or cylindrical.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of side walls 103, 105, 107, 109 may have one or more perforations 111 (e.g., FIGS. 1A-1K). The one or more perforations 111 may be configured to allow the passage of air into and out of the first container 100. In some variations, two of the plurality of side walls may comprise one or more perforations 111 (e.g., the first side wall 103 and the third side wall 107, as depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B). In such variations, the two side walls generally may be opposite to one another, such that air can flow through the first container. In some variations, three of the plurality of side walls may comprise one or more perforations 111 (e.g., FIG. 1I). In other variations, four of the plurality of side walls may comprise one or more perforations 111 (e.g., FIG. 1K). In various embodiments, the bottom 100 may further comprise one or more perforations 111 (e.g., FIG. 1J and FIG. 1K). The one or more perforations 111 may be, e.g., ventilation holes. In some embodiments, the one or more perforations 111 may allow for passive air flow into and out of the container. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more perforations 111 may be configured to be connected to an air generating device (e.g., a blow dryer), e.g., to dry polishing pads quicker.

With reference to FIG. 1K, depicted is an exemplary first container 100 with four of the plurality of side walls 103, 105, 107, 109 and the bottom 101 comprising one or more perforations 111. The interior of the first container 100 comprises 10 partitions 113 dividing the interior into 10 compartments. Each of the one or more compartments 115 of the first container 100 may contain an individual polishing pad 129.

The one or more perforations may be evenly spaced throughout the side wall, or may be unevenly spaced throughout the side wall. The one or more perforations may be of any shape, such as, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, triangular, rhombic, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal. The one or more perforations may be of any size suitable to allow the passage of air into and out of the first container. In FIGS. 1A-1K, the one or more perforations 111 are circular.

In some variations, the one or more perforations may have a longest dimension of from about 3 mm to about 30 mm. For example, the one or more perforations may have a longest dimension of about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, about 23 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, or about 30 mm. In some variations, the one or more perforations may have a longest dimension of less than about 3 mm. In some variations, the one or more perforations may have a longest dimension of greater than about 30 mm.

With reference again to FIGS. 1A-1K, the plurality of side walls 103, 105, 107, 109 may enclose an interior of the first container 100. The interior may comprise one or more partitions 113 dividing the interior into one or more compartments 115. Generally, the one or more compartments 115 may be sized to hold an individual polishing pad 129 (e.g., FIG. 1K). The one or more compartments 115 may have a volume large enough to hold a desired polishing pad. In some variations, the one or more compartments 115 may be sized to fit various different sized polishing pads. It should be understood that the size of the compartments are selected based on the need. For example, the first container may be designed to hold larger sized polishing pads, or smaller sized polishing pads, based on the needs of the user. For example, the one or more compartments may be sized to hold a polishing pad having a thickness from about ⅞ inch to about 1.5 inches, and a height from about 1 inch to about 10 inches. In some variations, the width of a compartment (as measured by the distance between two partitions within the first container) may be at least 0.5 inch. For example, the width of a compartment may be at least 0.5 inch, at least 0.6 inch, at least 0.7 inch, at least 0.8 inch, at least 0.9 inch, at least 1.0 inch, at least 1.1 inch, at least 1.2 inch, at least 1.3 inch, at least 1.4 inch, or at least 1.5 inch. In some variations, the height of a compartment may be at least 1 inch, for example, at least 1 inch, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 9 inches, or at least 10 inches. In some variations, a compartment may have a volume of at least about 80 in³.

In some variations, the first container may be designed such that a size of the compartments are adjustable (e.g., to make the compartments larger or smaller, e.g., by removing or adjusting the spacing of the partitions). The first container may comprise any number of partitions as desired. In some variations, the first container comprises from 5 to 10 partitions. The number of partitions may be selected based on the needs of the user. In one embodiment, the first container has 5 partitions (e.g., FIGS. 1A-1H). In another embodiment, the first container has 10 partitions (e.g., FIGS. 1I-1K).

The one or more partitions 113 may extend vertically from the bottom 101 of the first container 100 (e.g., disposed or positioned at an angle of about 90° relative to the bottom 101 of the first container 100, as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1K). In alternative embodiments, the one or more partitions 113 may be disposed or positioned at an angle from about 10° to about 50° relative to vertical. In one embodiment, the one or more partitions are disposed or positioned at an angle of about 20° relative to vertical.

The first container may further comprise a lid 117 (e.g., FIGS. 1A-1J). The lid 117 may be configured to open and close to allow access to the interior of the first container 100 (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside). The lid 117 may be removably engaged with the top of the first container. The lid 117 may further comprise a handle 119, e.g., such that a user may carry the container with ease. The lid 117 may have a locking mechanism 121 to hold the lid 117 in a closed configuration e.g., when a user is carrying the container by the handle 119 (e.g., FIG. 1A). The locking mechanism 121 may be any type of locking mechanism. FIGS. 1A-1F depict the first container with the lid in an open configuration. FIG. 1G and FIG. 1H depict the first container with the lid in a closed configuration.

The lid engaged with the top of the first container may be made of any suitable material. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1J, in some embodiments, the lid is a hard lid. In some variations, the hard lid comprises the same material as the first container, such as thermoplastic polymer or thermoset.

In other embodiments, the lid is composed of a different material than the first container. In some variations, the lid is a soft lid made from a soft material. With reference to FIG. 7A, depicted is an exemplary first container 100 with a soft lid 701. The soft lid 701 may be configured to open and close via an attachment mechanism to allow access to the interior of the first container 100 (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside). In FIG. 7A, the attachment mechanism is zipper 703.

With reference again to FIG. 7A, the zipper 703 is located in the middle of the soft lid 701 of the first container. When the zipper is in the closed position, the zipper holds the soft lid in a closed configuration and allows the user to carry the container by the handle. When the zipper is in the open position, the soft lid is in an open configuration and allows access to the interior of the first container (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside).

In other variations, the attachment mechanism may be located around one or more edges of the side walls of the first container. For example, in one variation, the attachment mechanism is located at the top edges of three of the plurality of side walls of the first container. When the attachment mechanism is in the closed position, the soft lid is held in the closed configuration and allows the user to carry the container by the handle. When the attachment mechanism is in the open position, the soft lid is in an open configuration and allows access to the interior of the first container (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside).

In certain variations of the foregoing, the attachment mechanism is one or more zippers, one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, one or more latches, one or more buckles, or one or more one or more snaps, or any combinations of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, the soft lid may further comprise a handle, e.g., such that a user may carry the container with ease. In some embodiments, the soft lid comprises two handles. In other embodiments, the soft lid comprises at least two handles.

Any suitable soft materials may be used for the soft lid. For example, in some variations, the soft material comprises a fabric. In certain variations, the soft material comprises canvas, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or leather, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1I, the first container may further comprise one or more coupling mechanisms 123, 125 for removably coupling the first container to an additional container (e.g., a second and/or third container, as described herein). The coupling mechanism 123, 125 may be on the exterior of a side wall 103, 105, 107, 109. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism 123, 125 may be configured to be slidably engaged with a coupling mechanism on a second or third container. In some variations, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more guide slots 123 for receiving one or guide plates present on the exterior of a second or third container. The one or more guide plates may slide into the one of more guide slots 123 such that the first container is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the second and/or third container. In some variations, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more guide plates 125 configured to be slidably engaged with one or more guide slots present on the exterior of a second or third container. The one or more guide plates 125 may slide into the one or more guide slots on the second or third container such that the first container is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the second and/or third container.

Second Container

In various aspects, the device may further comprise a second container removably couplable to the first container. The second container may be configured to store polishing pads (e.g., new polishing pads and/or cleaned, dry polishing pads). The second container may provide an environment to keep the polishing pads dry and/or clean and ready for use. FIGS. 2A-2I depict exemplary embodiments of a second container 200 suitable for storing polishing pads. The second container 200 may comprise a bottom 201. The bottom may comprise one or more feet 227 (e.g., FIGS. 2E and 2F). A plurality of side walls, e.g., a first side wall 203, a second side wall 205, a third side wall 207, and a fourth side wall 209 may extend upwards from the bottom 201. The plurality of side walls 203, 205, 207, 209 may extend vertically such that each of the plurality of side walls 203, 205, 207, 209 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the bottom 201. Each of the plurality of side walls 203, 205, 207, 209 may be connected to another side wall along an edge thereby enclosing an interior of the second container 200. A first side wall 203 may be connected to a second side wall 205 along an edge, the second side wall 205 may be connected to a third side wall 207 along an edge, the third side wall 207 may be connected to a fourth side wall 209 along an edge, and the fourth side wall 209 may be connected to the first side wall 203 along an edge. The plurality of side walls 203, 205, 207, 209 may define an interior volume of the second container 200. The second container may be any shape, including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, or cylindrical.

The plurality of side walls 203, 205, 207, 209 may enclose an interior of the second container 200. The interior may comprise one or more partitions 213 dividing the interior into one or more compartments 215 (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C). Generally, the one or more compartments 215 may be sized to hold an individual polishing pad. The one or more compartments 215 may have a volume large enough to hold a desired polishing pad. In some variations, the one or more compartments 215 may be sized to fit various different sized polishing pads. It should be understood that the size of the compartments are selected based on the need. For example, the second container may be designed to hold larger sized polishing pads, or smaller sized polishing pads, based on the needs of the user. For example, the one or more compartments may be sized to hold a polishing pad having a thickness from about ⅞ inch to about 1.5 inches, and a height from about 1 inch to about 10 inches. In some variations, the width of a compartment (as measured by the distance between two partitions within the first container) may be at least 0.5 inch. For example, the width of a compartment may be at least 0.5 inch, at least 0.6 inch, at least 0.7 inch, at least 0.8 inch, at least 0.9 inch, at least 1.0 inch, at least 1.1 inch, at least 1.2 inch, at least 1.3 inch, at least 1.4 inch, or at least 1.5 inch. In some variations, the height of a compartment may be at least 1 inch, for example, at least 1 inch, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 9 inches, or at least 10 inches. In some variations, a compartment may have a volume of at least about 80 in³.

In some variations, the second container may be designed such that a size of the compartments are adjustable (e.g., to make the compartments larger or smaller, e.g., by removing or adjusting the spacing of the partitions). The second container may comprise any number of partitions as desired. In some variations, the second container comprises from 5 to 10 partitions. The number of partitions may be selected based on the needs of the user. In one embodiment, the second container has 5 partitions (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2H). In another embodiment, the second container has 10 partitions (e.g., FIG. 2I).

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D and FIG. 2I, the one or more partitions 213 may extend vertically from the bottom 201 of the second container 200 (e.g., disposed or positioned at an angle 229 of about 90° relative to the bottom 201 of the second container 200, as depicted in FIG. 2A). In alternative embodiments, the one or more partitions may be disposed or positioned at an angle from about 10° to about 50° relative to vertical. In one embodiment, the one or more partitions are disposed or positioned at an angle of about 20° relative to vertical.

The second container may further comprise a lid 217 (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2I). The lid 217 may be configured to open and close to allow access to the interior of the second container 200 (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside). The lid 217 may be removably engaged with the top of the second container 200. The lid 217 may further comprise a handle 219, e.g., such that a user may carry the container with ease. The lid 217 may have a locking mechanism 221 to hold the lid 217 in a closed configuration e.g., when a user is carrying the container by the handle 219 (e.g., FIG. 2A and FIG. 2G). The locking mechanism 221 may be any type of locking mechanism. FIGS. 2A-2F depict the second container with the lid in an open configuration. FIG. 2G and FIG. 2H depict the second container with the lid in a closed configuration.

The lid engaged with the top of the second container may be made of any suitable material. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2I, in some embodiments, the lid is a hard lid. In some variations, the hard lid comprises the same material as the first container, such as thermoplastic polymer or thermoset.

In other embodiments, the lid is composed of a different material than the first container. In some variations, the lid is a soft lid made from a soft material. With reference to FIG. 7B, depicted is an exemplary second container 200 coupled with third container 300, which is described in further detail below. With respect to the second container 200, the soft lid 701 may be configured to open and close via an attachment mechanism to allow access to the interior of the second container 200 (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside). In FIG. 7B, the attachment mechanism is zipper 703.

With reference again to FIG. 7B, the zipper 703 is located in the middle of the soft lid 701 of the second container. When the zipper is in the closed position, the zipper holds the soft lid in a closed configuration and allows the user to carry the container by the handle. When the zipper is in the open position, the soft lid is in an open configuration and allows access to the interior of the second container (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside).

In other variations, the attachment mechanism may be located around one or more edges of the side walls of the second container. For example, in one variation, the attachment mechanism is located at the top edges of three of the plurality of side walls of the second container. When the attachment mechanism is in the closed position, the soft lid is held in the closed configuration and allows the user to carry the container by the handle. When the attachment mechanism is in the open position, the soft lid is in an open configuration and allows access to the interior of the second container (e.g., such that a user may remove dried polishing pads, or place wet polishing pads inside).

In certain variations of the foregoing, the attachment mechanism is one or more zippers, one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, one or more latches, one or more buckles, or one or more one or more snaps, or any combinations of the foregoing.

In some embodiments, the soft lid may further comprise a handle, e.g., such that a user may carry the container with ease. In some embodiments, the soft lid comprises two handles. In other embodiments, the soft lid comprises more than two handles.

Any suitable soft materials may be used for the soft lid. For example, in some variations, the soft material comprises a fabric. In certain variations, the soft material comprises canvas, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or leather, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2I, the second container may further comprise one or more coupling mechanisms 223, 225 for removably coupling the second container to an additional container (e.g., a first and/or third container, as described herein). The coupling mechanism 223, 225 may be on the exterior of a side wall 203, 205, 207, 209 of the second container. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism 223, 225 may be configured to be slidably engaged with a coupling mechanism on a first or third container. In some variations, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more guide slots 223 for receiving one or guide plates present on the exterior of a first or third container. The one or more guide plates may slide into the one of more guide slots 223 such that the second container is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the first and/or third container. In some variations, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more guide plates 225 configured to be slidably engaged with one or more guide slots present on the exterior of a first or third container. The one or more guide plates 225 may slide into the one or more guide slots on the first or third container such that the second container is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the first and/or third container.

Third Container

In various aspects, the device may further comprise a third container. The third container may be configured to hold various objects, including, but not limited to, additional polishing pads, bottles (e.g., for storing polish), tools, and the like. FIGS. 3A-3F depict an exemplary example of a third container 300. The third container 300 may comprise a bottom 301. The third container 300 may further comprise a plurality of side walls, e.g., a first side wall 303, a second side wall 305, a third side wall 307, and a fourth side wall 309 extending upwards from the bottom 301. The plurality of side walls 303, 305, 307, 309 may enclose an interior of the third container 300. The third container 300 may further comprise one or more coupling mechanisms 323 for removably coupling the third container to an additional container (e.g., a first and/or second container, as described herein). The coupling mechanism 323 may be on the exterior of a side wall 303, 305, 307, 309 of the second container. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism 323 may be configured to be slidably engaged with a coupling mechanism on a first or second container. In some variations, the coupling mechanism may comprise one or more guide slots for receiving one or guide plates present on the exterior of a first or second container. The one or more guide plates may slide into the one of more guide slots such that the third container is coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the first and/or second container.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an exemplary example of a first container 100 as disclosed herein coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to a third container 300. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an exemplary example of a second container 200 as disclosed herein coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to a third container 300. FIG. 5C depicts an exemplary example of a second container 200 coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to a third container 300. Each of the one or more compartments 215 of the second container 200 may contain an individual polishing pad 129. The third container 300 is configured to hold one or more items 501, e.g., such as bottles (e.g., containing polish).

FIG. 6A-6D depict alternative embodiments of the device. In these examples, the plurality of side walls extend from the bottom at an angle relative to vertical. FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary example of a second container 200 comprising a lid 217, wherein the plurality of side walls 203, 205, 207, 209 are disposed or positioned at an angle 601 relative to vertical. FIG. 6B depicts the third side wall 207 of the secondary container 200 comprising a lid 217, as depicted in FIG. 6A, disposed or positioned at an angle 601 relative to vertical. FIG. 6C depicts an exemplary example of a second container 200 comprising a lid 217 removably coupled to a third container 300, wherein the plurality of side walls 203, 205, 207, 209 of the second container 200 and the plurality of side walls 303, 305, 307, 309 of the third container 300 are disposed or positioned at an angle 601 relative to vertical. FIG. 6D depicts the third side wall 207 of the secondary container 200 comprising a lid 217 and the third side wall 307 of the third container 300, as depicted in FIG. 6C, at an angle 601 relative to vertical. In some variations, the plurality of side walls may be disposed or positioned at an angle of from about 10° to about 50° relative to vertical. In a particular example, the plurality of side walls may be disposed or positioned at an angle of about 20° relative to vertical.

Materials for the Containers

The first, second, and third container may be composed of any suitable material. In some variations, the first, second, and/or third container are composed of a metal. In other variations, the first, second, and/or third container are composed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as, e.g., polypropylene, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polylactic acid (PLA), polybenzimidazole, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyoxymethylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, polyethylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, or teflon. In some variations, the first, second, and/or third container are composed of a thermoset, such as, e.g., polyester resin, polyurethanes, polyurea/polyurethane hybrids, vulcanized rubber, Bakelite, Duroplast, urea-formaldehyde foam, melamine resin, diallyl-phthalate (DAP), epoxy resin, epoxy novolac, benzoxazines, polyimides, bismaleimides, cyanate esters, polycyanurates, furan, silicone, thiolyt, and vinyl ester. In some variations, the first, second, and/or third container are composed of Celcon® (Acetal), Acetal/Delrin, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), or Polyetraflouroethylene (PTFE).

Uses of the Devices

In some aspects, provided are methods of using the devices described herein for drying and/or storing polishing pads or buffing pads as described herein. In one aspect, provided is a method of drying and storing polishing pads, comprising: drying a cleaned and wet polishing pad in the first container and storing the dried clean polishing pad in either the first container or the second container. In some variations, the polishing pad is used to polish paint or apply various waxes, sealants, or other coatings on the exterior surface of a vehicle.

The devices described herein may be used in any suitable ways to dry and store polishing pads after use. For example, in some variations, a user places a clean and dry polishing pad in the first container or the second container for storage; removes a clean and dry polishing pad stored in either the first container or the second container when the user wants to use the clean and dry polishing pad to polish paint or apply various waxes, sealants, and other coatings on the exterior surface of a vehicle; places the dirty and wet polishing pad in either the first container or the second container for storage; removes the dirty and wet polishing pad in the first container or the second container; cleans the dirty and wet polishing pad; and places the clean and wet polishing pad in the first container for drying and storage.

In another variation, a user places a clean and dry polishing pad in the second container for storage; removes a clean and dry polishing pad stored in the first container when the user wants to polish paint or apply various waxes, sealants, and other coatings on the exterior surface of a vehicle; cleans the dirty and wet polishing pad; and places the clean and wet polishing pad in the first container for drying and storage.

While several embodiments have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for drying and storing polishing pads, the device comprising: a) a first container comprising: a bottom; a plurality of side walls, each extending upwards from said bottom and enclosing an interior of the first container, at least one of the plurality of side walls comprising one or more perforations configured to allow passage of air into and out of said first container, and the interior comprising one or more partitions dividing the interior into one or more first compartments, each of the one or more first compartments sized to hold an individual polishing pad; and a lid engaged with a top of the first container; and b) a second container removably coupled to the first container, the second container comprising: a bottom; a plurality of side walls each extending upwards from the bottom and enclosing an interior of the second container, the interior comprising one or more partitions dividing the interior into one or more second compartments, each of the one or more second compartments sized to hold an individual polishing pad; and a lid engaged with a top of the second container.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more perforations is one or more ventilation holes.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the one or more perforations are configured to allow passive airflow into and out of the first container.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the one or more perforations are configured to be removably coupled to an air-generating device.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first container and the second container each comprise a plurality of partitions.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein an exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the first container comprises one or more guide slots for receiving one or more guide plates present on the exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the second container.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the one or more guide plates are configured to be slidably engaged with one or more guide slots.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein an exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the second container comprises one or more guide slots for receiving one or more guide plates present on an exterior of at least one of the plurality of side walls of the first container.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the one or more guide plates are configured to be slidably engaged with one or more guide slots.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein: (i) the first container comprises at least one handle; or (ii) the second container comprises at least one handle, or both (i) and (ii).
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a third container.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the third container is removably coupled to at least one of the first container and the second container.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is composed of a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoset.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein: (i) the lid of the first container is a hard lid; (ii) the lid of the second container is a hard lid; or both (i) and (ii).
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein: (i) the lid of the first container is a soft lid; (ii) the lid of the second container is a soft lid; or both (i) and (ii).
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the soft lid comprises at least one attachment mechanism to open or close the soft lid.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein: (i) the at least one attachment mechanism is in a closed position, thereby allowing a user to carry the container by the handle; or (ii) the at least one attachment mechanism is in an open position, thereby allowing a user to access the interior of the container.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein at least one attachment mechanism is a zipper.
 19. A method for drying and storing polishing pads using a device of claim 1, comprising: drying a cleaned and wet polishing pad in a first compartment of the first container; and storing the dried clean polishing pad in either a first compartment of the first container or a second compartment of the second container.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the polishing pad is used to polish paint or apply various waxes, sealants, and other coatings on the exterior surface of a vehicle. 